Transdermal Contraceptives

Written by Katelyn Schwanke (last updated February 27, 2009)

As you research prescription contraceptive options available to you, you may be faced with the decision between transdermal contraceptives and the pill. On the surface these two seem very similar but in fact, there are a variety of different benefits and side effects. Transdermal contraceptives or the contraceptive "patch" is a recent development that allows women the same benefits of the "pill" without the stress of having to remember to take a pill everyday. The patch releases synthetically made estrogen and progesterone to trick your body into thinking it's pregnant. Your body will not ovulate, and you will not have your period, until the patch is removed.

Ortho Evra is the only company, thus far, that manufactures these patches. The patches stay on for a week at a time (they can be worn in the shower, swimming pool etc.), for three weeks. It is placed on the back or on the lower stomach. The last week when you do not wear the patch your body is not being exposed to estrogen and progesterone so you have your period.

This transdermal patch is equally as effective as the pill but has a variety of different side effects. Side effects include: break through bleeding, blood clots, darkening of skin around patch, vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, lower back pain, breast tenderness, and allergic reaction around site of adhesive. Recently there have been numerous lawsuits against the company for its hand in causing strokes and blood clots. If you are at risk because of health or family history, be sure to inform your physician. Beyond these side effects, always remember that contraceptives that just regulate hormones are not effective in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases.

Benefits include more regulated periods and anxiety free protection. If you have any more questions about this transdermal patch you can visit orthoevra.com or speak to your physician.

Author Bio

Katelyn Schwanke

MORE FROM KATELYN

What to Expect in a Mammogram

Mammograms help women detect breast cancer it in its early stages of development. Understanding what to expect from a ...

Discover More

Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally

If you suffer from high blood pressure and wish to avoid medicinal treatment, it is easy to lower your blood pressure ...

Discover More

How Do I Know if I Am Pregnant?

Whether you are trying to get pregnant or not, it is important to be aware of symptoms that indicate that you are ...

Discover More
More Health Tips

Male Contraceptives

You may usually think that contraception is for women, but is can also be for men. Here are some male contraception ...

Discover More

Oral Contraceptives

With so many different contraceptives on the market it is important to know which one is right for you. Oral ...

Discover More

Emergency Contraception

There are several methods of contraception available, one of which is emergency contraception. If you're going to use ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 5 - 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)